For over a decade, Sanchez Art Center has been delighted to present a very large show of very small works, the 50|50 Show. For 50 days, participating artists create 50 small artworks—a challenging creative journey, to say the least! With its stunning display of originality plus the affordability of the artworks, this highly anticipated exhibition at Sanchez Art Center is known throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

Opening Weekend Fundraiser: 12th Annual 50|50 Show

12th Annual 50|50 Show Opens Sept 18

The ability of artists to share their creative inspirations has been severely impacted during this extraordinarily difficult time of pandemic—a time when the community more than ever is needing and craving the experience, expression, escape, and joy art provides.

We greatly appreciated the time and thoughtfulness of Patricia Sweetow of Patricia Sweetow Gallery in San Francisco, who served as juror. She selected 50 artists from 125 applicants by reviewing selected images from their past body of works, and their medium and proposed theme. This year’s selected 50|50 artists used their time “sheltering in place” to envision and develop their themes in very personal and profound expressions of creativity. The result is a treasure trove of 2,400 original artworks, a visual treat with painting, collage, cyanotypes, textiles, mixed media assemblage, and more, to inspire you and nourish your soul. Their works will be displayed in the now classic 49-piece grid pattern of 7 down and 7 across, with the 50th piece off to the side.

Sanchez Art Center recognized early on that we wouldn’t be able to have the usual exhilarating opening night event where more than 650 art lovers have traditionally gathered. This year’s ticketed fundraiser that supports Sanchez Art Center will take place at timed intervals over the weekend of Friday, Sept 18 through Sunday, Sept 20.

Reimagining the opening—to comply with necessary health and safety protocols—has resulted in a special event where you can engage with a few of the artists for a leisurely 1 hour and 45 minutes, with no more than 19 additional art lovers in attendance, while you view and purchase these small treasures. Our outdoor rest area between the galleries will provide the opportunity to get off your feet and enjoy an interlude of LIVE music (yes, LIVE music!) and a beverage before continuing your time in the galleries and making your purchases. Tickets are limited, so secure yours early at www.Eventbrite.com. There will be no tickets available at the door.

Safety protocols for the health and well-being of guests, volunteers, and staff include face masks, physical distancing, and limited numbers of people in the galleries.

After Opening Weekend, Sanchez Art Center will welcome visitors at no cost during our extended gallery hours of Thursday and Friday from 1 pm to 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm. All visits are by appointment only. Appointments can be booked at 45-minute intervals beginning September 9, at www.SanchezArtCenter.10to8.com. Art enthusiasts often visit multiple times to take it all in, and we welcome you to book more than one visit time. The 50|50 Show runs through Oct 11 at 5 pm.

Proceeds from the 50|50 Show support Sanchez Art Center’s programs that, for more than 20 years, have been creating community through art. Special thanks to exhibition sponsors, Art Guild of Pacifica, Bleyle Elevator, and San Mateo County Arts Commission. Our 50|50 postcard and poster were designed by SAC Program Manager Janet Arline Barker.

Don’t miss this inspiring and restorative celebration of art and artists! Order your ticket to the Opening Weekend Fundraiser at www.Eventbrite.com, or make your no-cost visit appointment at www.SanchezArtCenter.10to8.com. Sanchez Art Center is located at 1220 Linda Mar Blvd in Pacifica, about a mile east of Highway 1. For more information: info@SanchezArtCenter.org, www.SanchezArtCenter.org.